Top ten do's and don'ts of couponing.

Grand Rapids, Mich (WOTV) - As you start to learn what to do when saving money, it's important to also know some don'ts. These are things that will help keep things going in the right direction during your savings journey.

1 - Don't photocopy coupons. It's illegal and people have landed jail time for it. There are many other ways to get more coupons to save money.

2 - Don't buy items you won't use. It's not a deal if you end up throwing it out because you won't use it or don't use it before it expires. The only exception to this rule is: If you can get it for free and it can be donated to a charity or friend, get it and do that.

3 - Don't use a coupon on a full price item. 99% off the time we see coupons issued in advance of a sale. Hold on to the coupon until it goes on sale to maximize your savings.

4 - Don't throw away coupons. If they haven't expired yet, offer them to a friend. If they have expired, send them to a soldier who can use them at a base store for six months past the expiration date.

5 - Don't stack manufacturer coupons. You can use (1) $1.00 off 2 coupon on two items, you can not use (2) $1.00 off 2 coupons on two items. You can however usually stack a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon.

6 - Don't leave home without them. Get a binder, a box, a folder or just paper clip them to your list and put them in your purse.

7 - Don't use a coupon on an item that it's not valid on. Some computer systems still only read the coupons by the brand instead of an exact item. Buying the wrong size or flavor is fraud and can land you in big trouble if you are caught doing it.

8 - Don't print every coupon. Be a bit selective. Print the ones you think you will use, but if you have never used a product and don't think you would, save the ink.

9 - Don't tie up the line. Sometimes the way to save is to do multiple transactions, but if there are a few people behind you, break it up even more and let some of them through. Better yet, try to shop when the lines are shorter like mornings and late nights if possible to avoid the possibility.

10 - Don't fight with the cashier. By all means state your case if you believe you are using a coupon properly and they refuse it, but keep a level head, make your point and be done. In the end, it is the store's right to refuse a coupon and your right to decide not to purchase an item. The feeling of frustration after a fight isn't worth the give-or-take a dollar you are saving. Follow up with management if you feel you need to.

For more coupon tips and deals all week long, visit Sarah's Deals .